Publication
Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative
Democratic Capitalism
Advancing America’s prosperity and leadership through market-oriented policies at home and free and fair trade abroad
The rise in populist and protectionist policies can do lasting harm to the economic well-being of the United States.
Our work promotes a pro-market approach to economic policies and free and fair trade to advance the United States’ prosperity and global leadership. Through reports, studies, and working groups, we aim to address the following:
- Government-directed industrial policy and innovation
- Regulatory over-reach
- Excessive government spending and spiraling national debt
- Tax policies that discourage businesses from investing in the United States
- Tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers
Publications
Publication
Will tariffs help or hurt the United States economy?
The incoming administration and Congress will make decisions over the first half of 2025 in five key economic policy domains: tariffs and trade, industrial and innovation policy, business regulation, the national debt, and tax reform. Here's our take:
Publication
World Banks' "Doing Business" Report and Impact to Bush Institute's Global Competitiveness Scorecard
In late 2021, the World Bank announced its decision to discontinue the annual "Doing Business" report. This report, a widely-cited evaluation, was used as a key pillar to calculating the scores and grades of the Bush Institute's Global Competitiveness Scorecard.
Publication
What Does Investment Tell Us About the Increase of Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico Border?
Increased investment in the Northern Triangle nations of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras is needed to improve economic outcomes and nurture an environment in which young people no longer feel the need to flee their homes in search of safety and employment.
Publication
Capitalism vs. Socialism is the Wrong Way to Frame Today's Economic Debate
Ryan Streeter and Richard Reeves start from different points on the philosophical spectrum, but they share a common belief: The debate between capitalism and socialism is a false choice. They feel that Americans instead are searching for ways to express their frustration with the workings of capitalism today, not their support for socialism.
The latest
Video · Sep 18, 2025
Big news from the Federal Reserve: Explaining the Fed’s rate cuts
Policy Recommendations · Jan 12, 2025
Trade and Industrial Policy for All Americans: A Federal Agenda to Expand Opportunity and Strengthen National Security
Policy Recommendations · Jan 12, 2025
Economic Statecraft: The United States Must Bolster Its Economic Tools to Enhance National Security
Jan 10, 2025
U.S. tariffs have never been about promoting growth but picking which industries to favor
Dec 13, 2024
Congress must act soon to avoid large tax increases
The incoming administration and Congress will make decisions over the first half of 2025 in five key economic policy domains: tariffs and trade, industrial and innovation policy, business regulation, the national debt, and tax reform. Here is our take:
Dec 10, 2024
America must embrace fiscal responsibility to ensure a strong economic future
The incoming administration and Congress will make decisions over the first half of 2025 in five key economic policy domains: tariffs and trade, industrial and innovation policy, business regulation, the national debt, and tax reform. Here is our take: